New Orleans Saints

Saints kicker Garrett Hartley made one field goal and hit all five extra points Sunday against Carolina in Week 17. His lone field goal came from 53 yards out.

Notable Saints players let go on Saturday include: TE Tyler Lorenzen, WR Montez Billings, LB Dwight Roberson, DT Dexter Larimore, QB Sean Canfield, WR Andy Tanner, CB Terrail Lambert, LB Nate Bussey, WR Jarred Fayson, TE Michael Higgins, TE Tory Humphrey, S Chris Reis, CB Trumaine McBride, CB Quincy Butler, LB Clint Ingram, RB Chris Taylor and S Pierson Prioleau.

Saints defensive back Roman Harper finished with a season-low two tackles during New Orleans' 34-31 victory at Dallas in Week 16. A week after racking up 11 tackles against Tampa Bay, Harper was held to his lowest total since Oct. 9, 2011, at Carolina (two).

The Saints signed wide receiver Saalim Hakim Wednesday.

The Rams placed CB Marquis Johnson on injured reserve Tuesday with a abdominal injury. Johnson sustained the injury in last week's loss to the Seahawks.

Saints LB Ramon Humber recorded his first sack of the season on Sunday night against the Lions. He finished the contest with three solo tackles.

Pierre Thomas told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that head coach Sean Payton will make it a point to run the football more this season than in the past. "He said we definitely need to get back to that ground game," Thomas said. "There's going to be more focus this year on that ground game than any year. He said we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games non-stop. I can't wait. I'm excited and I know everybody else is excited."

Linebacker Scott Fujita signed a one-day contract with the Saints and will retire.

The Saints have added tight end Ben Watson. The veteran played 83 percent of the snaps with the Browns last year and had a solid season with 49 catches for 501 yards. He's expected to serve as the No. 2 tight end behind Jimmy Graham.

Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan totaled three tackles (two solo) and one sack Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay. He also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said the Saints will use Will Smith as an outside linebacker this season.

Saints safety Isa Abdul-Quddus totaled seven tackles (five solo) and one interception Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay. He has an interception in two straight games.

The Saints placed two players on injured reserve on Saturday. New Orleans defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and tackle Charles Brown (knee) have been placed on IR. Their seasons are over. The Browns promoted guard Ricky Henry and safety Jerico Nelson from the practice squad.

Saints running back Travaris Cadet saw a few passes thrown his way in Week 11 against the Raiders. He was targeted three times, making two catches for 25 yards in the 38-17 win. Cadet also returned three kickoffs for 123 yards in the victory.

New Orleans placed running back Pierre Thomas on injured reserve Saturday, reports the team's official site. The Saints signed cornerback A.J. Davis to the active roster. Thomas had already been ruled out for the season finale against Carolina with a knee injury.

Saints running back Darren Sproles is working on becoming a more patient runner this offseason. While he'll continue his offseason workouts with Drew Brees and others on the West Coast, Sproles wants to take his already good field vision and become a bit more patient as a runner. Saints fullback Jed Collins told the official team website that Sproles' developed patience could make him an even better player. "I don't think the average fan understands how great his vision is," said Collins. "He has even helped me in knowing where people are going to be after the snap, their responsibilities and coverages. His vision helps in setting up blocks, making the first guy miss and knowing where the second guy is coming from."

The Saints placed LB Will Herring on injured reserve on Tuesday. Herring will not be available for the playoffs now after suffering an undisclosed injury in the Week 17 win over the Panthers.

Though Saints coach Sean Payton was going to hold him out Sunday against the Raiders, DL Sedrick Ellis found his way on to the field despite a shoulder injury. He ended up with one tackles in the win during limited playing time.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was a standout again in Week 17 against Carolina. Brees passed for 396 yards, giving him 5,177 this season. That makes him the first player to eclipse 5,000 yards three times. His four touchdown passes gave him 43 in 2012, and he's the first player with 40 touchdown passes in consecutive seasons. His final stats against the Panthers were 29 of 43 passing for 396 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Saints defensive lineman Tom Johnson had two tackles and a sack during New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win at Dallas in Week 16. Johnson registered one of two take-downs the Saints managed on quarterback Tony Romo for only his second sack of the season.

The Saints announced Thursday that they have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with unrestricted free agent linebacker Victor Butler. He was originally drafted in the fourth-round (110th overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Cowboys, playing in 63 games with two starts and posting career totals of 64 tackles (49 solo), 11 sacks, two stops for a loss, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. On special teams, he’s registered 40 tackles and one forced fumble.

The Saints went after a need by taking ex-LSU defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (6-foot-5, 318 pounds) with their first pick of 2012 draft in the third round (No. 89 overall). Hicks went to Regina to play football after leaving LSU. He's expected to provide depth at defensive tackle.

Notable Saints players let go on Saturday include: TE Tyler Lorenzen, WR Montez Billings, LB Dwight Roberson, DT Dexter Larimore, QB Sean Canfield, WR Andy Tanner, CB Terrail Lambert, LB Nate Bussey, WR Jarred Fayson, TE Michael Higgins, TE Tory Humphrey, S Chris Reis, CB Trumaine McBride, CB Quincy Butler, LB Clint Ingram, RB Chris Taylor and S Pierson Prioleau.

The Saints signed safety Jim Leonard to a one-year deal.

The Jets waived undrafted rookie cornerback Ryan Steed Wednesday.

Amid all of the bounty penalties, free agent defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley agreed to a five-year contract with the Saints. This could fill the hole at defensive tackle with Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin being unrestricted free agents.

Saints receiver Lance Moore had another solid game indoors Sunday against Carolina in Week 17. Moore had four catches for 121 yards on six targets. He now has a touchdown or 90 receiving yards in seven of his past nine games indoors. Moore finished the season with 65 catches for 1,041 yards and six touchdowns. This was his first 1,000-yard campaign in eight years.

New Orleans linebacker David Hawthorne (hamstring) is inactive for the Saints for the Week 9 Monday night game against the Eagles. Hawthorne was hoping to return Monday after missing the Week 8 game as well but he'll have to wait at least one more week.

The Saints cut the following players on Friday: DE Braylon Broughton, LB Kadarron Anderson, LB Ezra Butler, WR Greg Camarillo, QB Sean Canfield, DE Alex Daniels, TE Michael Higgins, CB Nick Hixson, DB Jerico Nelson, TE Derek Schouman, WR Andy Tanner and LB Lawrence Wilson.

The Saints released linebacker Barrett Ruud on Monday and re-signed defensive back Elbert Mack. Mack was released last week.

New Orleans wide receiver Devery Henderson recorded just one catch for 11 yards during the Saints' 52-27 loss at the Giants in Week 14. Henderson was targeted four times by quarterback Drew Brees, but was held to fewer than two receptions for the seventh consecutive game.

Saints running back Jed Collins hauled in his second touchdown reception of the season in Week 12 against the 49ers. Collins was on the receiving end of a 2-yard strike from Drew Brees in the third quarter. He finished with two catches for 9 yards in the 31-21 defeat.

ESPN reports Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma took a $3.7 million pay cut to stay with the team.

The following Broncos were cut on Friday: DB Rafael Bush, CB Drayton Florence, LB Jerry Franklin, DT Ben Garland, WR Jason Hill, DB Duke Ihenacho, TE Cornelius Ingram, RB Jeremiah Johnson, LB Mike Mohamed, WR Greg Orton, WR Gerell Robinson, CB Syd'Quan Thompson and QB Adam Weber.

The Cowboys continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: defensive linemen Clifton Geathers, Rob Callaway and Ben Bass; linebackers Baraka Atkins, Orie Lemon and Adrian Hamilton; wide receivers Saalim Hakim and Tim Benford; quarterback Rudy Carpenter; tight end Andrew Szczerba; defensive backs Eddie Whitley, Lionel Smith, Teddy Williams and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah; and running back Shaun Chapas.

New Orleans defensive back Jabari Greer left during the first half of Week 16 at Dallas with a concussion and was unable to return. Greer, who had two interceptions against Tampa Bay last Sunday, tallied just one tackle before the early departure.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune believes Mark Ingram could have his best season yet in 2013, suggesting he could get to 1,000 yards or 10 touchdowns if the Saints run more efficiently as they did in the second half of last season. He's entering the season fully healthy and the third-year rusher is focused on helping the Saints win the championship, but putting up some nice numbers wouldn't be such a bad thing either. "I've just been working hard this offseason, trying to get in the best shape of my life," Ingram said. "I just want to go out there and do what I can to help the team win a championship. Of course I want to have a big year individually. But, you know, the main goal is to win games and stay healthy and be out there on the field on Sundays."

The Bucs released wide receiver Preston Parker Thursday.

The Saints promoted tight end Mike Higgins from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Saints linebacker Scott Shanle left the Week 1 loss against Washington with an unspecified leg injury. He did not return and finished with four tackles, one for a loss.

The Saints announced Monday the signing of quarterback Seneca Wallace. He's expected to help back up Drew Brees in 2013. Wallace was reportedly going to sign with the Raiders but the deal never materialized.

In addition to Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints drafted Georgia defensive tackle Johnathan Jenkins, Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills and Tarleton State outside linebacker Rufus Johnson.

The Eagles continued trimming their roster in preparation for the regular season Friday and released the following players: defensive backs Phillip Thomas, Joselio Hanson and Oshiomogho Atogwe; tight ends Emil Igwenagu, Chase Ford and Brett Brackett; linebackers Ryan Rau, Adrian Moten and Keenan Clayton; wide receivers Mardy Gilyard, Marvin McNutt and Chad Hall; and defensive linemen Ollie Ogbu, Landon Cohen, Monte Taylor and Frank Trotter.

The Saints placed cornerback Corey White on injured reserve Wednesday with a knee injury.

The Saints terminated the contract of veteran tight end David Thomas.

NFL.com reports that Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has started rehab following surgery this month to repair a lingering wrist injury, saying "everything's going well" in the recovery process.

Wrist - Questionable for start of training camp

With the 15th pick in the NFL draft the Saints selected safety Kenny Vaccaro from Texas. Vaccaro has been a fixture in the Longhorns secondary for three years, totaling 245 tackles and five interceptions. He'll join a safety corps that includes Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper.

The Saints waived WR Chris Givens because of a shoulder injury and re-signed CB Cord Parks.

New Orleans linebacker Chris Chamberlain will miss the 2012 season after injuring his ACL during Friday's preseason game against the Jaguars. Saints coach Joe Vitt told reporters Saturday that he won't be able to fill Chamberlain's void right away. “It’s a work in progress. We will step back and take a look at everything,” said Vitt.

Saints defensive back Patrick Robinson matched a season high with eight tackles, including seven solo stops, during New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win at Dallas in Week 16. Robinson stayed active for the game despite being listed as questionable with a groin injury.

Saints linebacker Martez Wilson recorded his second sack in as many games and his third of the season Week 10 against the Falcons. It was his only tackle on the day.

New Orleans TE John Gilmore recorded a touchdown on his lone catch of the game during the Saints' 42-20 rout of Minnesota in Week 15. Gilmore hauled in a 2-yard pass from QB Drew Brees on his only target as he finished with one reception for the second outing in a row.

The Saints have signed Luke McCown to a one-year deal.

In addition to Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints drafted Georgia defensive tackle Johnathan Jenkins, Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills and Tarleton State outside linebacker Rufus Johnson.

The Cardinals waived DB Korey Lindsey on Tuesday. Lindsey, a rookie, had been selected in the seventh round of the draft this summer by the Bengals before being waived by Cincinnati.

Saints have come to terms with defensive lineman Junior Galette to a three-year deal, according to the team's official website. Galette racked up a career-high five sacks in 12 games (one start) last season for the Saints.

In addition to Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, the Saints drafted Georgia defensive tackle Johnathan Jenkins, Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills and Tarleton State outside linebacker Rufus Johnson.

The Saints placed two players on injured reserve on Saturday. New Orleans defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and tackle Charles Brown (knee) have been placed on IR. Their seasons are over. The Browns promoted guard Ricky Henry and safety Jerico Nelson from the practice squad.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the Saints have high expectations for second-year receiver Nick Toon, who missed his rookie season with foot surgery. Toon, who spent most of the offseason working out back at Wisconsin, could play a key role for a Saints team that hasn't re-signed veteran receiver Devery Henderson to this point. He could be a third or fourth receiver, along with Joe Morgan, depending on what other moves the Saints make at the receiver position in the draft or free agency. "We expected a big guy, a big receiver who was polished, which he is. He had a great pedigree (the son of former NFL receiver Al Toon), came from a great program, was well-coached at Wisconsin. And he just had a medical issue he had to overcome," general manager Mickey Loomis said. "So we liked everything we saw, yet we haven't seen enough yet. But he's smart, we know that. A lot of physical ability, we know that. So all the signs, all the flags were positive. And everything we thought from him coming out of Wisconsin was confirmed or better so far. But he has a lot to prove yet."

Foot - Probable for start of training camp

The Packers announced a number of roster cuts Friday, as they continue to try to trime their roster down to 53 men in time for the start of the season. Among the players let go were defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, who is suspended for the first eight weeks of the season for his part in the Saints' bounty scandal. The team also released wide receiver Andy Brewer, safety Micah Pellerin, defensive back Dion Turner and tackle Herb Taylor.

Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton tallied five tackles -- all solo stops -- during New Orleans' 34-31 victory over Dallas in Week 16. Lofton was unable to produce a robust tackle total after matching a season low with three tackles last week, but still raised his season total to 118 stops.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune caught up with 6-foot-1, 195-pound Joe Morgan, the third-year receiver expected to play in the role previously held by Devery Henderson in 2013. Morgan is preaching humility knowing no role has officially been given to him and has spent the offseason working with teammate Lance Moore on improved route-running because he knows he can't run the 'go' route every play. "It's probably going to be the intermediate and short routes," Morgan said when he was asked what he needed to work on the most. "I've gotten a lot better at those working with Lance. He's one of the best route runners in the league, so just transferring that into practice and the games."

The Saints cut the following players on Friday: DE Braylon Broughton, LB Kadarron Anderson, LB Ezra Butler, WR Greg Camarillo, QB Sean Canfield, DE Alex Daniels, TE Michael Higgins, CB Nick Hixson, DB Jerico Nelson, TE Derek Schouman, WR Andy Tanner and LB Lawrence Wilson.

The Saints and defensive end Kenyon Coleman have agreed to a deal.

Saints receiver Marques Colston had a tremendous game to end the season in Week 17 against Carolina on Sunday. Colston had five catches for 52 yards and two touchdowns in eight targets. He finished the season with 83 catches for 1,154 yards and 10 touchdowns. This was the second time in his career he reached double digits in touchdowns, and he had 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth time, including four years in a row.

The Jets continued trimming their roster in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: wide receivers Eron Riley and Joe Collins; linebackers Brett Roy and Marcus Dowtin; defensive back LeQuan Lewis; tight end Tarren Lloyd; defensive backs D'Anton Lynn and Julian Posey; and defensive linemen Jay Richardson and Martin Tevaseu.

The agent for kick returner Courtney Roby announced his client has re-signed with the Saints. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. Roby was a special teams contributor for the team.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Wednesday seventh-round pick DE Greg Romeus has been placed on IR after spending all of the regular season on the PUP list. Romeus tore his ACL while at Pittsburgh one year ago and the Saints drafted Romeus knowing the DE would spend most of this season rehabbing the injury.

The Saints have signed cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year deal with $10.5 million guaranteed. Lewis is a New Orleans native.